We officially have six skiers in our family.

Actually, I better take that back…make that five and a half.

Because after this trip I think I may be more of a half a skier.
I’m going to go ahead and totally blame my horrible skiing ability on the fact that we were skiing on complete slush.

And to be honest I like the slush, even if it makes me a sub-par skier, because slush means I’m warm.

And I like to be warm.Maybe I need some lessons from Dave’s dad like all these other grandchildren have had. See, he’s an awesome skier…has been all his life.This year the big project was the four-and five-year-old grand kids.He got ’em going.Then we kinda followed up.
This is how Claire and I spent the morning of the first day. It was kinda like the blind leading the blind but hey, I think bunny hills are right up my alley. We sure had fun together. I loved having a little time with her all to myself.We got Claire these toe-clips to help her with her snow plow. Man, they come up with some cool doo-dads. And come on, we’ve got to admit she looks pretty darn cute in all her knock-off gear Dave picked her up in China.Meanwhile, as I was braving the bunny hill with Claire, Grace’s cousin took the ropes on finishing the teaching job off with Grace.And boy howdy she took to it like nobody’s business.
…except when Dave told her it’d be no prob. to head down a super steep “blue” mountain…she didn’t like that so much. She only got the above expression after I let her take off her skis and slide down on her bum. Too bad I didn’t whip out the camera when she was wailing her guts out heading straight down the mountain full speed.

I’m still gonna give her an A+ though. She did awesome.And then there’s Elle and Max who I didn’t even see the whole time on the slopes…they are way too good for me.
This was just part of the group. There are so many people in Dave’s family when you count in nine kids, their spouses and their kids. This above pic. was probably my favorite part of the trip. Seriously, Dave is so great at getting things situated and ready to go. I love the picture on the left because this is how he helped us ALL to get our boots on. He always had all our gear all organized and ready for us.

Ooops, I wasn’t supposed to say anything about Dave. Sorry babe.
Aside from skiing we sure had a great time hanging with Dave’s family. One night the adults went out to dinner. Man there are a lot of them: (I know it’s tough to see from this picture…again, I sure missed having my big camera!)

All nine kids were able to make the trip. It was awesome to see them.We were so sad the wife and two kids of one of Dave’s brothers couldn’t make it (we missed you Kara!).
The girls:The kids and spouses minus the one with his spouse missing:And I’ve got to say, Dave’s parents are right up there in cute-ness with mine. I sure love them.
We gave up on getting a grandchild shot…we were too tired to undertake getting 31 kids situated. At least we caught a few of the girls:
I am so lucky to have such great in-laws.

And then we packed up and Dave made the drive once again with the four big kids.
Lucy and I flew on home…it was very beautiful and uneventful…no poop this time. Just a bunch of belly laughs from that girl. Man she sure can be fun.

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12 Comments

  1. Hey Shawni!

    This is Kristin Lyon Esplin (from the Brown Stone/BYU days). I am bugging you because I am seeking your help on a 40TH BDAY surprise for Alysa Hatch Whitlock. She turns 40 this next month and time is quickly ticking against me. If you have a moment, would you e-mail me at esplinkt@msn.com so I can tell you more about what I am thinking? I just don’t want to spoil the surprise and I know that Alysa views your blog pretty regularly (I am just crossing my fingers that she won’t stumble across this comment I have left you). Thanks so much!

  2. Great ski pictures. I am amazed that you take your big camera with you skiing, I only take my point and shoot on the slopes.

    Love the pink ski attire.

    I am a firm believer in those edgy wedgies (ski connectors) That is how all my boys learned to ski. It’s the only way! (that and a little ski school)

  3. Shawni, I love how you write like we are having a conversation. All these pictures are amazing and I love that you put Claire in skiis. So fun! That’s so awesome that Grandpa teaches them to ski and it’s a tradition. Love all those traditions you guys have. Great post chock full of info and beautiful pictures!
    ~Christine

  4. You don’t know me but I found your blog awhile ago and I love reading about your family. Your little Lucy reminds me of my youngest. I knew the Pothiers growing up and even babysat for them once or twice. They are a great family and it was fun to see pictures of them!

  5. Once again I am stalking your blog Shawni 🙂 I just have to say it was so fun for me to see all the Pothier’s!! I just love Bob and Marva…they are great people. It looks like you had a great time in Utah. Your kids are just darling.
    (this is Erika (wallin) by the way)

  6. I am so happy you all got to be together. I’m sure Kara sees this and wishes she was there.

    I totally have to laugh at you trying not to mention Dave too much. I have to do the same thing for Paul.

  7. Hey Dave and Shawni,

    One of these days we’ll finally connect in Utah for some skiing fun with the kids. Looks like you guys had a blast. Skiing has to be one of the best ways to have fun as a family. Our family motto: “The family that skis together stays together!”

    Shawn

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